Fabregas can leave if Nasri stays

Arsenal will allow Cesc Fabregas to leave the club this summer, according to number reports, but only if Arsene Wenger can convince Samir Nasri to extend his stay at the Emirates.

Nasri only has one year of his current Arsenal contract left to run and has been linked with a move to a number of clubs over the last few weeks, including Premier League rivals Manchester United.

In contrast, Fabregas has a long-term contract which runs until 2015. However, it now appears that Nasri and not Fabregas will be Wenger's main priority this summer.

Barcelona attempted to sign Fabregas last summer but Arsenal held firm and refused their £23 million offer. Now it seems, however, that Wenger could be willing to let the 24-year-old return to his boyhood club.

Fabregas endured a frustrating season which was blighted by injury. In his absence Jack Wilshere established himself as first-team regular and Aaron Ramsey made a successful return from injury.

If Wenger can convince Nasri to extend his stay at the club, Arsenal's midfield will still be one of the best in the Premier League even without Fabregas's world-class talent.

Any money earned from selling the Catalan maestro could then be used to resolve Arsenal's ongoing problems in central defence. Wenger is believed to be keen on signing Everton's Phil Jagielka with Bolton's Gary Cahill and Blackburn's Chris Samba also on his radar.

Nicklas Bendtner, Tomas Rosicky, Denílson and Carlos Vela have all been told they can leave Eastlands this summer as Wenger looks to rebuild his squad and win Arsenal's first trophy in seven years.

Ivory Coast striker Gervinho looks likely to be the first new arrival at the club. The 24-year-old, who scored 15 goals for Lille last season, is believed to be close to agreeing a £12 million move to North London.